As one of the pivotal moments in recent history unfolds in Egypt President Obama is acting like a cat got his tongue.
Instead of speaking out forthrightly against the terror unleashed by the Mubarak mobs he has equivocated and calibrated every response.
Instead of telling Mubarak that after 30 years of misrule he should go, our president uses weasel words and qualifiers.
Where is George W Bush when you need him? At least he called a spade a spade
Or Ronald Reagan telling Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall?
Or John F. Kennedy proclaiming Ich Bin Ein Berliner ?
If ever there was a moment to stand up for democracy, for people over the powerful it is now.
I thought that was vaguely the platform that Mubarakobama was elected on but clearly not one he cares to deliver on.
Sure there have been fine words and wonderful promises, but in his first foreign policy crisis he is pussyfooting around like a tenderfoot.
Sure there are regional issues, sure there is the long term to consider but how bad could it be to stand up for democracy when millions are on the street pleading for their chance at it?
He would be be an instant hero on the Arab street and reverse much of the damage done for decades in the Arab world.
But Obama is curiously mute lacking the bigness to overcome the whispers from advisers not to call a spade a spade and convince him it is all too complicated.
Churchill called out the Nazis, john F Kennedy and Ronald Reagan the communists in Berlin.
Who will call out the Egyptian dictator?
Alas, it seems not this American president.
More's the shame.
Ich Bin Ein Mubaraker .
24 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.John G. Hogan | Feb 14, 2011, 09:51 AM EST
When did you get up off of your knees and stop drinking the 0ol-aid???
cillowen | Feb 10, 2011, 06:08 PM EST
Long awaited Mubarak's address to the world left Egyptian protesters left them angered by their 30 year dictator whom there were strong rumours about his stepping down. He was expected to make the announcement. but a wait of over four hours duration. Step down, instead he came on the television as bold as brass and reiterated as previously that he was essentially going nowhere. The arrogance of keeping the protesters and interested audiences worldwide took the cake. The Egyptian protesters are an Amazing and Courageous people, up against the world's mighty, positioned, their dictator whose service to his oligarchical brethern is like none other. Mubarak is the plug in the dyke which served imperialistic rule, thus preventing people from breathing freedom. In spite of the dirty tricks by Big Kihuna who pays for a surrogate, a mercenary army to be employed as needed manage the ME. The upper crust in the Egyptian army, supporters of the Mubarak regime are cosy as you please, with the US. They receive $1.5B in weaponry for war game usage and such between their armies. One can deduce from this togetherness and Israel's insistance that Mubarak remains as dictator - thusly the USA and Mubarak are emboldened to protect this finger in the dkye fellow. Democracy is different depending on the con. Those heros on the street - long live such a people - I've come to respect them so, may they free themselves soon from the tyrant and the tyrant's protecters. Their boldness todate helps others yearning to be free to realize the phoney change phrases of the democratic pusher whose line is but a lie.
Monsoonman | Feb 05, 2011, 09:52 PM EST
Just read this poll: Interesting stat: 75% of Egyptians want Islamic Law/Sharia 65% want to reinstate the Islamic Caliphate.
DennisQ | Feb 05, 2011, 08:03 PM EST
One reason not to call Mubarak an evil dictator is the belief that Mubarak is not an evil dictator. He brought stability to Egypt in the wake of Sadat's assassination, and has kept his country out of wars that have destroyed Lebanon and Iraq. It's not a small thing to say that Mubarak kept the peace . . . and he certainly did that.
Are we going on a purge of dictators across the world? That would not be a good idea. It does not respect the sovereignty of countries for which dictatorships are actually an effective form of government. Let's deal with the world as it is.
I respect Obama for not popping off about matters that other people will decide. So he's not the Uncle Sam that O'Dowd would like him to be. It's quite likely that any head of state who presumed to give advice either to the Irish people or their government would be considered out of order. Incidentally, we haven't heard from the Pope about what Mubarak should do - is Benedict a moral coward as well? And we also haven't heard from Sinead O'Connor! What's the world coming to?
GeorgeDillon | Feb 05, 2011, 05:13 PM EST
McNabb--What you write is complete nonsense. Clinton (8 years president), according to some people (not me) a liberal, was just as big a supporter of tyrants like Mubarek.
GeorgeDillon | Feb 05, 2011, 05:10 PM EST
Monsoonman: Don't lie. She was executed for drug smuggling. I don't think that's just, and indeed I'm no fan of the death penalty, but we have just as many executions as theyu have in Iran. Let's put our own house in order first before condemning others.
McNabb1966 | Feb 05, 2011, 04:10 PM EST
It's always amusing to witness the Leftists on here, the civility ("Bush is Hitler") crowd, attempt to talk international politics. These are the same useful idiots who praise anti-Semites like Helen Thomas, call knife-wielding thugs "peace activists" and Jews in Israel "Nazis." These are the same stooges who thought their hero Obama would actually keep promises like closing Gitmo. Suckers! lol Political courage? Obama quickly gets in over his head whenever he ventures out into deep waters where his SEIU and ACORN shock troops CAN'T mobilize. Ok, it's been five minutes, time to blame it all on Sarah Palin! Surely she incited he violence in Egypt, right? Right? Well, as every deep-thinking Leftist knows, it's nothing that can't be solved with a few drum circles and a peace-and-love mime performance. Smart power!
hancock | Feb 05, 2011, 03:46 PM EST
I wonder if Iraq had anything to do with the breakout of protests across Middle East?
BishopSean | Feb 05, 2011, 08:55 AM EST
The problem facing us all is, will the Egyptians who sincerely want "classic" democracy win the day or will Egypt become an "Islamo-democracy," a la Irán? There is greater probability that "Islamo-Democracy" will win the day and this will affect all of us. Let's pray for God's special help.
nicgearailt | Feb 04, 2011, 09:20 PM EST
Firstly I would say that is a very political statement...dont like the man in charge?? no invite to sleep over at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?? Our President is handling the situation with deliberation..Mubarek is who he is..his people know what does and that he must go..diplomacy must always be place to start..name calling not a good idea ,Niall. "By their deeds you will know them"..to paraphrase.. or "you are what you do"....time will tell who Mubarek really is..just wait..
warrenpoint00 | Feb 04, 2011, 06:10 PM EST
Lets get real here folks.All of the U.S administrations past and present have been Israel,s puppets.What ever happens in the middle east has got to be rubber stamped by Israel.The 1B dollar yearly contribution to Egypt is small change compared to that what Israel recieves. I think Niall is still smarting from the defeat inflicted by Obama upon his hero Hilary and therfore is confined to writing shite about an area of conflict that he has no knowledge of or indeed any one in the western hemisphere has of these proud and cultured people.
McNamara31 | Feb 04, 2011, 03:53 PM EST
haasny007 Your post is an example of political common sense stated in a factual historical context. Obama is in another no win situation which must be treated with extreme care. One thing we know, his inner circle including Hillary and Bill Clinton would never incite this situation with a name calling such as "an evil dictator", but that's why he was elected president and not the combustible John McCain who probably would have thrown around inciting rhetoric.
peterson | Feb 04, 2011, 02:45 PM EST
Obama has proven himself an idiot many times over !!!!
snakehips | Feb 04, 2011, 01:33 PM EST
Let's ask Old "dyed in the wool ideologue" Niall, how come he hasn't spoken out against the Evil Egyptian dictator heretofore? and oops... by the way, George W. Bush was President as well as Ronald Reagan during Mubarak's Regime. Let me call a spade a spade, Niall, you are an idiot!!!!
jdi2269 | Feb 04, 2011, 12:12 PM EST
just google 10 MOST CORRUPT POLITICIANS
DLW12183 | Feb 04, 2011, 10:31 AM EST
haasny007-you conveniently left out Clinton as an 8 year President during the Mubarak regime. That's only roughly 25% of the time of the regime. Interesting how people approach issues by which side of the isle they happen to be on.
haasny007 | Feb 04, 2011, 10:15 AM EST
Niall, like Bush you also don't do nuance, right?! Politics is complicated in the Middle East, and you should know that Mubarak was coddled and showered with US financial aid second only to Israel by American presidents since Reagan because he has been a force of stability in a volatile region. Political stability has always reigned supreme for the US in this region which is the main supplier of oil to this voracious energy using country. Mubarak wasn't a lesser dictator during Reagan, Bush I and Bush II. Why did they not call him what he really always was? Obama is now in the uncomfortable position because Egyptians finally came to their senses and are demanding democracy and are willing to die for it. Obama has no other choice but gradually shifting his support to the opposition because he has to work with whoever is in power in Cairo. He also did call for Mubarak to resign and leave the country. What else can he do? Send in the marines? That would be really "wise" and Bush/Cheney would probably consider it.
DLW12183 | Feb 04, 2011, 09:27 AM EST
Obama's problem-he wants everybody to like "him". He is always in campaign mode. He is no leader. He has his own agenda. Why do you think he bows to foreign leaders? He is weak-another Jimmy Carter when it comes to foreign policy. And the VP... what an act!
cillowen | Feb 04, 2011, 09:22 AM EST
Obama-r slavic nature shows big. An extraordinary people yearning to breathe free - awesome courageous, demonstrated against their 30 years under a dictator who cares so much for his people who claims being desirous to stay on to save 'em. Chutzpah beyond belief
Towngate | Feb 04, 2011, 09:18 AM EST
LIKE A RABBIT in the headlights he 'freezes' just waiting to be told exactly what to do! And when he is - he better do it exactly or he'll be on the next camel out after his pal; the horrible hosni! - - - - - Btw,a chara: Terrific Headline and 'wordplay' in the post!
crny925 | Feb 04, 2011, 09:16 AM EST
AMEN!!!
Dublinjas | Feb 04, 2011, 04:17 AM EST
The Israeli's want Mubarak to stay, It suits them, and since they run the White House, need I say more?? Who can ever forget Obama's Command Performance at AIPAC, Before he could get the job he had to get their approval.
KathyCallahan | Feb 03, 2011, 11:25 PM EST
Sing song on a flat note "mubarekobama" is very consistent: think again about his response to Iran, gulf disaster. The only time that I ever saw Obama demonstrate passionate emotion and conviction was before and during a trip to Boston.
Monsoonman | Feb 03, 2011, 09:46 PM EST
Niall, he didn't support the people of Iran when they were demonstrating in the streets against their totalitarian rulers in 2009 and 2010. He never criticized the regime in Tehran for being the brutal dictators that they are. They just hanged a Dutch woman for demonstrating against the Iranian regime...Not a peep out of Obama or Hillary....But if you follow Obamas political career, at least the part that is not sealed from public view, you will note that when it came to controversial issues he usually voted "present".